After Meeting Nearly a Decade Ago, Head Coach Mark Lowry and Midfielder Raul Aguilera Reunite in the Circle City
After embarking on a nearly 15-hour drive from Orlando, having to frequently stop to add layers of clothing since leaving the warmth of the Sunshine State, midfielder Raul Aguilera safely arrived in the Circle City. Having spent most of his life living near O-Town, the Sanford, Florida-native has been adjusting to the slew of roundabouts and friendly drivers surrounding his new Carmel residence as Week One of Indy Eleven’s preseason camp comes to an end.
After living in sunny Florida for nearly his whole life, why would a player make this move up north in the dead of a Midwest winter? The answers are simple: for the love of the game and a relationship that spans nearly half of Aguilera’s life.
The 22-year-old joins Indiana’s Team after spending most of his career with Major League Soccer’s Orlando City SC, where he worked his way through its academy program and eventually earned a professional contract with his hometown club. It was through his time in Orlando that he met Indy Eleven Head Coach Mark Lowry, where the two created a bond nearly 10 years ago that has led them both to reunite later in their lives.
“From when we left the academy, I was always keeping tabs on [Mark] and vice versa…and in that sense we’re kind of the same,” said Aguilera. “We met at early stages in both of our careers, and then we went our separate ways and made a name for ourselves. We’re both hungry to continue doing so, and I think that’s really important.”
Aguilera was only a teenager when he met Coach Lowry, then a member of Orlando City SC’s Academy coaching staff. Since then, Aguilera attributes much of his development to the values Lowry instilled in him early on.
“He helped me build a really good foundation. He was probably one of the first serious coaches that I had in terms of my development,” recalls Aguilera. “He came in and started implementing some important stuff that, at that young age, was a lot. Learning that early has contributed a lot and I was able to mature a little bit quicker and it’s played a huge role in where I find myself today.”
One story in particular that stands out to Aguilera happened when he was 13 years old. Coach Lowry wanted Aguilera to travel to Sarasota, Florida, to play in a U16 academy game against prospects nearly three years older than him. However, the game was two hours away from home, and both of Aguilera’s parents could not take him. Despite this, Coach Lowry drove Aguilera there himself, cementing a level of trust and belief between the young player and coach.
“A lot of people would say it’s not a big deal since it’s a U16 academy game, but for me, it meant a lot,” said Aguilera. “It built my confidence. This guy believes that I can play here, and at that age it meant a lot to me.”
The development and maturity that Aguilera developed in his youth helped elevate him to become the professional he is today. He signed his first professional deal with Orlando City B – the club’s then USL League One affiliate – in March 2020, making eight appearances before signing a Homegrown contract with Orlando City SC ahead of its 2021 MLS season. He has also represented the United States at the international level multiple times, competing for the U15, U16, and U18 teams between 2014-17. Coach Lowry believes that Aguilera’s work ethic and passion for the game has attributed to the early success in his career.
“He’s always been one of my favorite players,” said Lowry. “From a young age, he was always a little bit different, a little more focused than the average teenager. He wants to learn and he wants to get better every day. I love that characteristic in a player.”
While it’s evident that Lowry believes in Aguilera as a person, he also believes the young midfielder’s style of play will mesh perfectly with what he hopes to accomplish with the Boys in Blue this season.
“He’s an all-action, two-way midfielder, which I love,” said Lowry. “We’re really strong in that area of the field and I think Raul’s going to be a big part of that. His technical ability is good and he’s got an eye for a goal; I think we’re going to get a lot out of him this season. The players are going to love having him here and the fans are going to love seeing him as well.”
As excited as he is to join the club and play for Coach Lowry, Aguilera knows to not get ahead of himself and to take his development day-by-day.
“As I’ve grown up, gained some years, I’ve been able to enjoy the process a little bit more,” said Aguilera. “Not necessarily think so much about my age, but think about what I want to accomplish rather than the time frame of it because everything comes in perfect timing. I want to be present and enjoy the process.”
